Residents of Canton, Georgia, have numerous opportunities for outdoor fun and recreation. With a population of around 8,000, Canton has small-town charm and a gentle pace of life. Atlanta is only a short drive to the south, while the Appalachian Mountains extend northeast of the town. With hot summers and mild winters, outdoor activities are available nearly all year long.
WALKING, JOGGING AND HIKING
Boling Park and Heritage Park both have well-maintained trails for walking, jogging or cycling. The Heritage Park trail winds through acres of green grass and manicured trees. The paved trail is smooth, wide and level, perfect for a low-impact stroll. At Boling Park, the gravel walking track includes exercise stations and restroom facilities. If you want to get off the beaten path, Boling Park also features a rugged hiking trail.
PICNICS AND PARTIES
The Parks and Recreation Department of the city of Canton organizes year-round events to bring the community together at one of the many city parks. Brown, McCanless and Boling Parks each have picnic facilities for public use. You must call ahead to reserve and rent the large covered pavilion at Boling Park. Cannon Park, on the other hand, is an excellent spot for quiet contemplation. Gazebos and benches provide shade from the hot southern sun and are quaint spots for reading a novel or working the daily crossword.
SPORTS AND RECREATION
Burge Park, on the east side of Canton, features basketball courts, swings and a slide. Brown Park offers a toddler-safe play area, along with a new playground structure. The widest variety of sports opportunities are available at Boling Park. Soccer fields, tennis courts, baseball and softball fields, and a basketball court invite players of all ages and skill levels to compete and have fun. The open spaces at Boling Park allow for other organized games, such as ultimate frisbee or kickball.
ALLATOONA LAKE
A few miles southwest of town lies Allatoona Lake, a large reservoir created by the impoundment of the Etowah River. Campground spaces are available for daily use but must be reserved ahead of time. Biking trails allow you to test your cycling mettle through hilly, rugged forests. On the lake, recreational boating and fishing are both popular activities. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources also makes available a limited number of hunting permits each year for the wildlife management area around Allatoona Lake.
Posted in: Activities and Attractions